Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention Services

York Region Public Health provides consultations, workshops and displays on fall prevention and healthy aging. Print resources for older adults and healthcare professionals on fall prevention and reducing the frequency, severity and impact of injury related to falls are also available. For more information please contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675; TTY 1-866-512-6228 or email AccessYork@york.ca

Fall Risk Self-Assessment

Falls are the main reason older adults lose their independence. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances are of falling. To find out if you, or someone you know, are at risk of falling complete the fall risk self-assessment tool.

Preventing Falls

There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of falling:

Physical activity

Exercises that improve strength and balance can significantly improve bone, muscle and neurological weakness. Weight-bearing activities, where you are up on your feet like walking, dancing, hiking, golfing, climbing stairs, bowling, gardening and jogging, can all help reduce your risk of falling.

Taking four or more prescription drugs can increase your risk of falling. If your pills make you dizzy, ask your doctor about changing the dose. Use the same pharmacy if possible for all of your medications and keep a list of all of your medications with you. A dosette or blister pack can help you organize your pill schedule and keep track of what you are taking.

Assistive devices and mobility aids

Devices like wheelchairs, walkers and canes can reduce the risk of falling. Contact an occupational therapist or physiotherapist for advice about using a cane or walker. When walking with a cane, hold the cane on your stronger side – opposite to your weak or painful leg, ankle or foot. Step up on to a stair with your strong leg first, followed by your cane and weak leg onto the same step. When going downstairs, you should step down with your cane and weak leg first, followed by your strong leg to the same step.

Healthy eating and nutrition

Eat a balanced diet with vegetables, calcium and vitamin D to keep you healthy and prevent osteoporosis. To stay hydrated, drink fluids often during the day. Water is your best choice but milk, juice, soup, tea and coffee also count towards your total fluids. It may also help to eat six small meals a day to maintain your energy level and reduce weakness, dizziness and tiredness.

Always wear proper fitting shoes with good ankle and foot support. If you notice any infected toenails and sores, swelling, changes in your feet, or if you need help cutting your toenails, consult a health care provider.

Eye health

As you get older, your risk for developing age-related eye conditions and diseases increases. Age-related vision changes can affect your balance and the risk of falling. Many changes to your vision happen so slowly you may not notice you have a problem. Visit an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) regularly and with any vision changes to maintain your eye health and ensure timely treatment.

7 November, 2016 The Regional Municipality of Yorken-USThe Regional Municipality of York

Step Ahead to Fall Prevention Training

Step Ahead to Fall Prevention in Older Adults is offered as an e-Learning or in-person training program for agency staff, Personal Support Workers and caregivers based on fall prevention research and best practice.

e-Learning

This online e-learning module has been developed in partnership between York Region Public Health and Toronto Public Health. The course will empower learners to incorporate fall prevention knowledge and skills into their daily work with older adults. Participants will learn about age-related changes that contribute to falls and modifiable risk factors associated with falling.

This half day training is facilitated by Public Health Nurses. Participants will examine age-related changes and modifiable risk factors associated with falls that will enable them to incorporate fall prevention strategies when working with older adults. Participants will engage in group learning activities and discussions to strengthen their fall prevention knowledge and skills.

Age-friendly communities are communities for everyone, both young and old.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, age-friendly communities are communities that modify, build, and put in place policies, services and structures that support and enable people to age actively. By including older adults in, and valuing their contribution to, all aspects of community life, age-friendly communities provide opportunities for people of every age, stage and ability to live safe, healthy, meaningful and active lives in their own community or home.

Features of an age-friendly community may include:

Green spaces, walkways, pathways and cycling paths that are accessible, clean and safe

Benches with armrests in public spaces and along pathways and trails

Public buildings that are well-lit with level entryways and well-maintained pavements that are also free of snow and ice

Housing and public transportation options for older adults that are affordable and accessible

Social clubs and programs for older adults that promote social connection and provide opportunities to interact with younger generations

For more information and to learn what you can do to make your community more age-friendly, refer to the Age-Friendly Communities fact sheet and other age-friendly communities resources found in our Resources section or directly below.

External Links

Centralhealthline.ca – A website offered by the Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) as a source of local health and social services information

EatRight Ontario - Information on nutrition and healthy eating for older adults including articles, A Guide to Healthy Eating, and the option to speak to a Registered Dietitian directly

LOOP – An online communication platform for the Fall Prevention Community of Practice; The Community of Practice supports and connects members to network, find answers and work together in the prevention of falls with access to free library services

Ontario Ministry of Seniors Affairs - Advocates for, undertakes and supports policy and program initiatives that help improve the quality of life of seniors, and undertakes public education efforts for and about seniors